Latest reviews

Judy Westerby reviewed: Cancelled

"Thank you Shirley for a fantastic, inspirational acrylic course. I loved it and learned so much about applying paint and achieved so much in a day! This was just what I had hoped for. You gave great demonstrations to start us off followed by lots of time to put what we had learned into practice. Thank you so much Shirley."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Hi Judy It was a pleasure to show everyone what they /you could achieve. I enjoy teaching people who are as enthusiastic and keen to learn as this group were. Thanks for your lovely comments. I hope to see you again Judy in the future. Shirley"

Jason Latham reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"Great first experience of pottery throwing. Easy to find location, great workshop and equipment. I was able to follow Jack's instruction well and he had the ability to keep an eye on everyone's work in progress as the class is limited to 6 people. Intensive day but very enjoyable!! Good lunch too! Hoping to sign up for the evening course next year."

Paul Welsh reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"Just attended the two day course in woodturning with Ciaran at Cheshire Woodworking. It was an absolute treat - enjoyable, informative and friendly. Quite amazing how quickly skills can be transferred by a good tutor. I now have the confidence to start turning on my own...… just need to get a lathe and kick-start what I hope will be an enjoyable and rewarding pastime! Would thoroughly recommend this course."

Jenny reviewed: Arm knitted throw workshop in Kent

"This was a really fun workshop, Faye was very patient and supportive and I was really proud of my very cosy arm-knitted throw which really was made in just over an hour!"

Unravel & Unwind C.I.C. responded:

"Thank you for coming Jenny. You did look super cosy in your blanket."

Jane Edwards reviewed: Landscape Painting Workshop - Venue Workshop

"Pippa is well organised and an experienced and enthusiastic teacher. She used lots of different media and explained how to use them really well. Helped by members of her family she produced tasty food and created a warm and friendly atmosphere. I thoroughly recommend her course for beginners and experienced painters who want to try something different."

Ben reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Gary was incredibly understanding with autism in the forge. After I told him, he told me that he also had Asperger's syndrome, so he's able to relate to people who struggle with loud noises/sensory issues, both of which are large things in a forgery. Before we started, he explained a ton of stuff on what to/not to do, which kept me from getting burned multiple times. He even let us take a small block of metal of the same material as the axe we built home, so we could show what the axe came from. On top of that, we finished with a couple hours to spare, so he let us make a marshmallow-toasting fork, free of charge. The person I went with burnt her hand, because she grabbed the wrong end of a bar, and he immediately got the burns kit and made sure it was fine. Overall, a great experience, and highly recommended."

Ann reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"Treated myself to Ian's stained glass course and I am so pleased that I did. Had never cut glass or had any experience in soldiering before but Ian was always there to help. Was a fun day with good company. I took home my creation of the day.. a sun catcher to show my skills. Learnt the names of the traditional tools and would love to build on this experience. The only problem is the day went so fast. I would 100% recommend this course."

Linda Lucas reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"My daughter and I had a very enjoyable and relaxing day on the Silver Jewellery Boat. The boat is moored in a picturesque location near Droitwich and is equipped with everything needed to create your very own silver jewellery masterpiece. Jonathan is a patient and skilled teacher and guided us through each stage of making our jewellery. We came home feeling that we had experienced a great day out and we had the satisfaction of returning with a handmade bangle to remind us of the day."

Naomi Fox reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"Absolutely brilliant course booked for me by my daughter as a birthday treat. From the moment we arrived Sara made us feel at ease and very welcome. She was supportive and encouraging of our efforts and encouraged us to work independently whilst being on hand to guide and step in if needed."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Naomi ...... you were both great students too .... looking forward to maybe seeing you again to try something different :-) Sara"

Susan Edwards reviewed: Introduction to copper foiling workshop

"I booked this course for myself and friends as a suprise birthday present for one of us. Sharon was great, made us feel at home in her lovely studio. Supplied plenty of tea and biscuits and great relaxed tuition to help us make our stained glass creations. We loved it and will be going back. Thanks again Sharon we all had a great day."

Manchester Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Susan for your lovely review, it was really fun to have you all in the studio, especially as it was a surprise birthday present. You all would be most welcome back. Thank you Sharon :)"

Alison Roberts reviewed: Cancelled

"Having thoroughly enjoyed a previous workshop with Shirley I was looking forward to this one, and I was not disappointed. It was an excellent combination of learning and fun. Clear demonstrations of techniques, sharing of ideas and information, individualistic responses encouraged, and tea/coffee/biscuits thrown in for good measure! By the end of the day I felt physically tired but creatively energised. Thanks, Shirley."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Thanks Alison Its a pleasure seeing you have a go at anything i show you how to do. I loved the gold painting you did. Shirley"

Sally Ann Wiles reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"I had such a lovely day with the small group of people and two friendly and approachable tutors, nothing was too much trouble for them and they listened to my ideas and told me how to achieve them. I'd highly recommend this course, I'd never worked with glass before so was a bit apprehensive but was soon put at ease by everyone. The homemade lunch was delicious too."

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you Sally. Your review is much appreciated. We’re so glad you enjoyed the day and the company. We hope you are able to come to collect your art work and see the things other people created over the weekend."

Rhona reviewed: Needle felt landscapes workshop on Orkney, including lunch

"A really great way to spend a day and try out a new craft. Catherine is a superb teacher, giving just the right amount of guidance and demonstration to get us up and running to produce our own design. She kept us all moving along with gentle nudges when we were starting to get lost. Her knowledge of materials and techniques is wonderful and she was able to communicate these effortlessly to complete beginners. We all left with a felt picture, each very unique and personal, which we were delighted with. Great teacher, great day, great fun. Thanks Catherine!"

Arts a Flutter responded:

"Thankyou for that review Rhona. I thought you all did extremely well and I will be using the work you all produced to highlight my courses. Cheers"

Katie Cunnah (nee Oxtoby) reviewed: Cancelled

"I loved the course. Acrylics were a new medium for me and it was interesting to learn new skills and techniques. I had a go at the techniques taught in the class and really enjoyed it. I got home and did a brilliant painting using those techniques but with my oil paints, and I'm absolutely thrilled with the result, so I've learnt skills that also translate into my oil paintings."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Katie, You were a very capable student. I liked your willingness to try new techniques and to experiment. Keep on pushing the boundaries and getting out of the box."

Jo atkins reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Olivia is a brilliant and inspirational tutor. I came to the lino printing course a complete beginner and was amazed at the results. Olivia is so enthusiastic and supportive and generous in sharing her skills. The whole group came away with amazing prints. It was a great day and would thoroughly recommend to anyone."

Donna & Andrew Howstan reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"A wonderful afternoon in a beautiful workspace and local yarn shop. A fantastic and extremely informative introduction to yarn dyeing. Carrie and Lisa are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, kind and pass on their passion for yarn and yarn dyeing. Even before the yarn dyeing began Carrie got our creative juices flowing but guiding us on how to read skeins. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about this workshop. We have booked onto the next workshop in 2020. Thank you to Carrie & Lisa for a memorable day."

Elizabeth Talbot reviewed: Pottery Tuition ~ Learn how to Throw on the Potter's Wheel, Slab-build and Coil in 1 Full Day's Attentive Teaching

"Sonya is amazing! Not only is she very knowledgeable about ceramics, but also a fantastic teacher and lovely person. My teenage daughter has had weekly lessons which she has used as her skill for her DofE Bronze Award. Sonya has demonstrated and given guidance on a variety of methods and allowed my daughter (who is left handed) to find techniques that she is comfortable with, making the sessions fun and productive without any pressure. She has produced numerous pieces, including a set of mugs, bowls & coasters and is keen to learn more. Thanks Sonya."

Sonya Ceramic Art responded:

"Dear Elizabeth and Emilia, Thank you for your review. I am so pleased to have spent the time with Emilia over the past 12 weeks. She has been a pleasure to teach and it's been rewarding to see her relax in to the sessions and benefit from the therapeutic aspects of working with clay as well as picking up the techniques so well. I wish her every success in completing her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. I'm sure she will pass with flying colours! Best Wishes, Sonya."

Amma Stevens reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed today’s comprehensive workshop in natural dyeing with Claudia. I found it an inspirational day learning lots. I look forward to experimenting at home with culinary, locally foraged and exotic plants used in the art of dyeing natural materials. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for a wonderful day Claudia! ... and thank you Margaret too for your delicious and wholesome cooking and hospitality offered at break times during the workshop today."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Amma, i'm delighted that you enjoyed the workshop and the venue. Very best wishes, Claudia"

Penny Brooks reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Really enjoyed the workshop and learned lots- really excited to go and do some more! Think I've found a new hobby. Thrilled with my quirky first attempt and Julie is lovely."

Maddie from Tewkesbury reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Really lovely relaxing day. You were a great teacher and gave me lots of fantastic ideas for future projects. Really pleased with my end result."

Clare from Tewkesbury reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Thank you Julie for an amazing day. Loved every minute and will definitely be making another picture at home."

Margaret from Worcester reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Great day, very informative and lots of fun, relaxing and a great way to learn something new."

Hannah from Malvern reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"This was a wonderful day, thank you. Perfectly paced (relaxing but no one was hanging around between demonstrations) and it's lovely to have a finished piece at the end of the day. Thank you very much for teaching me a new skill- and delicious lemon drizzle cake!"

leanne findon reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I have really enjoyed my day, learning a new skill and can't wait to do more at home. A well run, friendly day- with lots of new skills learnt and a lovely piece to take home."

Gemma Turner reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"Such a cute little venue. Arrived to teas and coffees and a table laid out so beautifully ready for our afternoon tea later. The group was great, Julie and Janet got us all settled in and we were all chatting together in no time. Plenty of time was given for making each product and Julie was friendly, knowledgeable and happy to take questions. Everything was easy enough to make - no prior skills needed, just an interest. We all made one of everything so could pick out own scents/colours for each product. I came home with loads of new knowledge and a surprisingly large amount of each product (would have cost me a fortune for similar in a certain natural high street cosmetics store)! The afternoon tea was divine, our requests were catered for. Every detail had been thought of, everything ran smoothly and it was a brilliant day. The cost felt a bit of a stretch for my budget, but I really wanted to do it, so i went for it. So glad i did! When you add up the skills learnt to make future products, the afternoon tea, the fun had and the cost of the products you come away with - worth every penny and then some! Excellent value, excellent time had and i can't wait for my ingredients to arrive so i can start playing (oops I mean making) at home. I would be delighted to recommend this to anyone & everyone! Thank you!"